What is referred to as a guideline that is not law but indicates what it should look like?

The correct answer is model law because it represents a guideline established to serve as a framework for legislative bodies when creating laws. Unlike actual laws, which are binding and enforceable, model laws provide a template that reflects best practices and encourages uniformity across jurisdictions without having the force of statutory law. These are typically created by organizations such as the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) or similar entities and aim to streamline legislation, ensuring that the principles behind the laws make logical sense and are broadly applicable.

Model policies, by contrast, are typically specific to organizations or agencies and guide decision-making within those contexts rather than serving as a legislative template. Guiding principles are broader tenets that inform overall conduct but are not necessarily geared specifically toward legal frameworks. A standard contract refers to a specific document or agreement that provides terms for the parties involved but does not function as a legislative guide.